"Jake, I'm tired… can we go and rest now?" I asked softly, leaning into him.Urhmm…" Jake hesitated, eyes flickering toward his phone.
"What is it? Aren't you tired?" I tilted my head, trying to read him."It's just… I'm expecting a business call," he murmured."Oh, is that so? Well, it's okay let's get some rest then." I smiled faintly, though his tone made my chest tighten with unease.Jake smiled back, brushing my cheek with his hand. "Goodnight, guys," he said to Maxwell as we headed upstairs.
Once inside, I showered and slipped into my silk nightgown. The soft fabric clung to my skin, but the warmth I craved wasn't from the cloth it was from Jake."Hey, I'm done. You can go take your bath," I called, drying my hair.But he didn't even look up. He sat at the edge of the bed, hunched forward, his eyes dark and distant like his mind was trapped somewhere far away.
I walked over and touched his arm. "Jake… Jake," I called, forcing him to look at me.
His eyes softened. "Hmm? "I've been calling you. You were miles away. What's wrong? You can tell me."No need to worry." He placed his warm hand over mine and rubbed it gently. "I promise, everything is fine."Alright…" I whispered. "Let's just get in bed then."
We lay together, his strong arms wrapped protectively around my waist. I felt his steady breath on my neck until his phone rang.I tightened my grip on his arm. "Bae… don't take that call. Please." I pouted, trying to keep him close.He chuckled softly. "Oh, you look so cute, my little puppy… but I have to. It might be important."
"Baby, I don't want you to leave me tonight. Please," I begged, my voice almost breaking.
"I really have to, baby. Just this one call."
"Fine…" I whispered reluctantly.Jake slid out of bed and picked up the phone. He had been expecting this call for days but when he answered, it wasn't the voice he thought it would be.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk… your worst enemy," the voice drawled.Jake's jaw tightened. "Mark," he growled through gritted teeth. "Why did you call me? "Meet me in my office," Mark said coolly. "If you want to know the man behind your mother's death." The call ended.
Jake's entire demeanor shifted hard, urgent. He rushed back to me, cupping my face. "Aurora… I'm sorry. I have to go. This is an emergency." I frowned, my stomach knotting. "You're leaving me? What do you expect me to do smile? "Hey, baby, don't be like that…" Jake's voice softened, but the tension in his shoulders told another story."Something isn't right, Jake. I can feel it. Please don't go. I'm begging you stay with me tonight."
"Baby… it's serious. I promise I'll be back before you even notice I'm gone."
I bit my lip, swallowing the dread rising in my throat. "Fine. But come back before dawn."
"I will. Please take care of yourself, okay?"
He kissed me long, deep, and desperate. "I love you, Aurora," he breathed against my lips.Tears welled in my eyes. "Why… why do I feel like this is our last kiss, Jake? "Don't say that, Rora. I swear to you I'll be back."
I held his face in my hands, our foreheads pressed together, our breaths mingling. "I don't know why… but please… just this once listen to me. Don't go." He kissed my forehead, holding me as though he wanted to imprint the feel of me in his soul. "If I could stay, I would. But this… this is something I can't ignore."
I closed my eyes, breathing in his scent. "Bye then… Jake, please… take care."
"I will, Aurora. Don't worry," he whispered before pulling away.The door closed behind him, and I was left in the heavy silence of our bedroom. I lay down, clutching his pillow, breathing in his cologne, as the darkness pressed in around me.It was just me… and this bed.